RACHEL BERG Freshman September 11
RACHEL BERG Freshman September 11
Today was so much fun in a totally unexpected way. Despite the fact that we were all sweating profusely while painting, it was awesome to think that we were helping develop something much bigger than ourselves. We literally put our sweat into that place. The medical center is so amazing, and I’m so grateful that I got the chance to help it grow and open soon. We all got to meet Grandma Dee-Dee again after meeting her for the first time at Sunday school, and her story is inspiring. The fact that she has lived so much and wants to help others be successful land live healthy lives in the Dominican is amazing. After painting the medical center, we had the most amazing meal yet – rice, beans, and chicken – and it was all so good. The fact that we get to experience their culture through foods as well as relationships is fun to me. The highlight of my day for sure was the basketball clinic. It was girls-only, but there was a plethora of young boys there, just watching. I could tell they felt pretty left out. They kept trying to shoot, even though the hoops were being used for drills. I think they were mostly just interested in playing with the Americanos. But a lot of them, it was obvious that they really loved basketball. I did some passing drills with them and then had them dribble at me to make moves. I think it helped them feel better and more involved. t’s crazy to think that these boys and girls don’t have much, yet they can show up and have so much joy and ]motivation to just straight-up have fun. I know that on some of my hard days, I don’t even feel like trying to have a good time. I’m just too tired or moody when something goes wrong or things aren’t how they’re supposed to be. But finding the strength and finding the motivation to make things fun, or make good memories is really important and is something I’d like to focus on – not that every day has to be a good day. It’s just that I need to remember how fortunate I am, and try to remember that when things are hard, I should strive to have the strength that these 12-year-old kids have. The day ended on a very happy note with Coach Heisey treating us to ice cream and her playing 1-v-1 with Willmer (of security). Lots of laughter and love tonight, and I’m glad I’m getting to know everyone better.
